Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz Fintail Universal (W110) 230 (120 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz Fintail:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail is a nickname for saloon cars of the W110, W111, and W112 series produced by Mercedes from 1959 to 1968. These replaced the Ponton-series saloon cars introduced in 1953.
These series' modest tailfin-era styling reflected the US-led trend. In Mercedes terminology, the short rear fins were designated Peilstege , parking aids which marked the end of the car for aid in backing....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Universal (W110) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (Universal (W110)). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1485 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
230 (120 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful engine available, providing the best acceleration and highway capability for the W110 Universal. Engaging with a manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
The least fuel-efficient option, but offers the best performance. Fuel consumption is acceptable for a premium petrol engine of its time.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic Fintail styling with classic Mercedes-Benz appeal
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, especially the diesel engines
- • Highly practical and spacious station wagon body style
- • Comfortable ride quality for its era
- • Strong classic car market appeal and growing collector interest
- • Reliable and relatively simple mechanicals for maintenance
Cons:
- • Very modest performance, especially with diesel engines
- • Lack of modern safety features (common for its age)
- • Steering can be vague and heavy by modern standards
- • Parts availability for specific Universal body components can be challenging
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not properly maintained
- • Fuel consumption of petrol engines can be high compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Universal (W110): 1965 - 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | Universal (W110) |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 (120 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1966 |
| End of production: | 1968 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 X / 180.949 More details about the engine M 180 X / 180.949 |
| Engine displacement: | 2306 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.3 kg/Nm, 119.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1485 |
| Max. weight: | 2140 |
| Max load: | 655 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1795 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1530 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Trailing arm |
Was the Mercedes-Benz Fintail what you expected? Let us know!